Driggs Zoning Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Driggs' zoning regulations is essential for property owners, homebuyers, and developers in this growing Teton County community. Whether you're buying a home, planning renovations, or developing property, knowing these rules will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
For the most current zoning information, always check the official Driggs Land Development Code and planning department resources. If you need help understanding how these regulations affect your property, our team at Bellhaven Real Estate is here to assist at no cost.
Driggs Zoning Districts at a Glance
Driggs uses a modern Land Development Code (LDC) that establishes clear zoning districts to guide development throughout the city. Here's a quick overview of the main zoning districts:
Zone Type | Zone Category | Primary Purpose | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Residential | Low-Density Residential | Single-family housing | Detached homes on larger lots |
Medium-Density Residential | Mixed housing types | Single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes | |
High-Density Residential | Multi-family housing | Apartments, condominiums | |
Commercial | Downtown Commercial | Central business district | Retail, offices, restaurants, mixed-use |
General Commercial | Community-serving businesses | Larger retail, services, offices | |
Industrial | Light Industrial | Low-impact manufacturing | Warehousing, light manufacturing, research |
Special Purpose | Agricultural | Agricultural activities | Farming, ranching, related uses |
Open Space | Recreation and conservation | Parks, natural areas, recreation | |
Public Facility | Public and institutional uses | Schools, government buildings, churches |
Driggs' Land Development Code is designed to maintain the city's mountain town character while accommodating growth and development. The city has established clear regulations for each zone to ensure compatible land uses and appropriate development standards.
Residential Zones
Driggs offers several residential zones to accommodate different housing types and densities while preserving the character of existing neighborhoods.
Zone | Density | Housing Types | Typical Lot Sizes | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Low-Density Residential | Low | Single-family only | Larger lots | Traditional neighborhoods, more spacious |
Medium-Density Residential | Medium | Single-family, duplexes, townhomes | Medium-sized lots | Mix of housing types, transitional areas |
High-Density Residential | High | Multi-family apartments | Smaller lots | Higher buildings, more compact development |
Low-Density Residential Zones
The Low-Density Residential zones are designed for single-family neighborhoods with larger lots and more spacious development patterns.
Primarily single-family detached homes
Larger lot sizes
Lower building heights
More generous setbacks
Lower traffic volumes
Predominantly residential character
Medium-Density Residential Zones
The Medium-Density Residential zones allow for a mix of housing types, including single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes.
Mix of housing types
Medium-sized lots
Moderate building heights
Balanced setbacks
Moderate traffic volumes
Often serve as transitions between low-density and higher-density areas
High-Density Residential Zones
The High-Density Residential zones are designed for multi-family apartments and provide the highest residential densities in Driggs.
Smaller lot sizes
Higher building heights
Reduced setbacks
Higher traffic volumes
Often located near commercial areas or major transportation routes
Commercial and Industrial Zones
Driggs has designated areas for commercial and industrial uses to support economic development while maintaining compatibility with residential areas.
Zone | Primary Uses | Location | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
Downtown Commercial | Retail, restaurants, offices, mixed-use | Central business district | Pedestrian-oriented, historic character |
General Commercial | Larger retail, services, offices | Major corridors | Auto-oriented, larger parcels |
Light Industrial | Warehousing, light manufacturing, research | Industrial areas | Limited impacts, buffer requirements |
Downtown Commercial Zone
The Downtown Commercial zone encompasses Driggs' central business district and is designed to promote a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly commercial center.
Mix of retail, restaurants, offices, and services
Historic character preservation
Pedestrian-oriented design standards
Reduced parking requirements compared to other commercial zones
Potential for mixed-use development with residential above commercial
General Commercial Zone
The General Commercial zone accommodates larger commercial uses that serve the broader community.
Larger retail establishments
Services and offices
Located along major corridors
More auto-oriented than the Downtown Commercial zone
Higher parking requirements
Light Industrial Zone
Driggs' Light Industrial zone provides space for manufacturing, warehousing, and other industrial activities while minimizing impacts on residential areas.
Warehousing and distribution
Light manufacturing
Research and development
Buffer requirements to minimize impacts on adjacent properties
Limited retail and service uses that support industrial activities
Special Purpose Zones
In addition to the standard residential, commercial, and industrial zones, Driggs has established special purpose zones for specific uses.
Zone | Primary Purpose | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
Agricultural | Agricultural activities | Farming, ranching, related uses |
Open Space | Recreation and conservation | Parks, natural areas, recreation facilities |
Public Facility | Public and institutional uses | Schools, government buildings, churches |
Design Review Overlay
Driggs has established a Design Review Overlay that applies to certain areas of the city. Properties within this overlay are subject to additional design standards and review requirements to ensure high-quality development that enhances the city's character.
The Design Review Standards and Guidelines apply to projects within the Design Review Overlay and address:
Building design and materials
Site layout and orientation
Landscaping and screening
Parking and access
Lighting
Signage
Development Standards
Driggs' Land Development Code provides detailed standards for development in each zone. These standards include:
Standard Type | Description | Varies By Zone |
|---|---|---|
Lot Size | Minimum required lot area | Yes |
Lot Width | Minimum required lot width | Yes |
Setbacks | Required distances from property lines | Yes |
Building Height | Maximum allowed height | Yes |
Lot Coverage | Maximum percentage of lot covered by buildings | Yes |
Parking | Required number of parking spaces | Yes |
Landscaping | Required landscaping and open space | Yes |
Design Standards | Requirements for building appearance | Yes |
These standards ensure that development in each zone is appropriate for the intended character and use of the area. They help maintain property values, ensure compatibility between neighboring properties, and promote the overall quality of development in Driggs.
Zoning Administration and Procedures
Understanding how zoning works in Driggs is just as important as knowing the zone designations. The city has established clear processes for zoning administration and procedures.
Process | Description | Typical Timeline | Approval Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
Zoning Verification | Confirming the current zoning of a property | 1-2 days | Planning Administrator |
Permission for uses allowed under certain conditions | 30-45 days | Planning & Zoning Commission | |
Permission to deviate from specific zoning requirements | 30-45 days | Planning & Zoning Commission | |
Zone Change | Changing the zoning designation of a property | 60-90 days | City Council |
Development Plan Review | Review of plans for new development | 30-60 days | Planning Administrator/Commission |
Planning and Zoning Commission
Driggs' Planning and Zoning Commission plays a crucial role in the zoning process. The commission reviews applications, holds public hearings, and makes recommendations to the City Council on zoning matters.
Planning and Zoning Administrator
The Planning and Zoning Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Land Development Code. The administrator's responsibilities include:
Providing information and advice concerning zoning regulations
Assisting applicants with preparation and submission of applications
Conducting on-site inspections of properties
Collecting and distributing materials relevant to applications
Coordinating with other city departments and public agencies
Preparing planning and zoning meeting agendas and materials
Issuing permits and notifications as approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission
Area of City Impact
Driggs has established an Area of City Impact (AOCI) that extends beyond the city limits. This area is important for several reasons:
It defines areas where future city growth is anticipated
It allows for coordinated planning between the city and Teton County
Properties in this area are subject to the Driggs AOI Zoning Ordinance and the Teton County Subdivision Ordinance
Applications for development in the AOCI are administered by Teton County
It helps prevent incompatible development on the city's periphery
If you're considering a property near Driggs but outside the city limits, it's important to determine whether it falls within the Area of City Impact and what implications that might have for development or future annexation.
Relationship to Teton County Zoning
Driggs' zoning regulations apply only within the city limits. Properties in unincorporated areas of Teton County are subject to the county's zoning regulations instead, with special provisions for the Area of City Impact. This distinction is important for several reasons:
Aspect | City Zoning | County Zoning | Area of City Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
Detail Level | More detailed and specific | More general | Hybrid approach |
Restrictions | Typically more restrictive | Typically less restrictive | Intermediate |
Services | Full city services | Limited county services | Limited county services |
Annexation Impact | N/A | N/A | Properties may be annexed in future |
Approval Process | City Planning Commission/Council | County Planning Commission/Commissioners | County administers with city input |
Driggs works closely with Teton County on planning issues, particularly within the Area of City Impact. If you're considering a property near the city limits, it's important to verify which jurisdiction's regulations apply and whether annexation might be required or beneficial.
Understanding CC&Rs and HOAs in Driggs
Beyond city zoning regulations, many properties in Driggs are subject to additional restrictions through Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Homeowners Associations (HOAs). This is particularly common in newer subdivisions.
The Hierarchy of Property Restrictions
City Zoning: The base regulations that apply to all properties within Driggs city limits
CC&Rs: Private agreements that place additional restrictions on properties within specific developments
HOA Rules: Specific regulations created and enforced by homeowners associations
Even if city zoning allows a particular use, CC&Rs or HOA rules may prohibit it. For example, a property in a residential zone might legally allow for certain home-based businesses according to city regulations, but the subdivision's CC&Rs might prohibit any commercial activity entirely.
Smart Growth and Mountain Town Character
Driggs' zoning regulations are designed to promote smart growth while preserving the city's mountain town character. The city's comprehensive plan, which guides zoning decisions, emphasizes:
Compact, walkable development patterns
Protection of natural resources and open spaces
Diverse housing options for residents of all income levels
Economic development that supports local businesses
Preservation of historic and cultural resources
Sustainable development practices
These principles are reflected in the city's zoning regulations, which encourage development that enhances Driggs' unique character while accommodating growth and change.
Need Help with Driggs Zoning?
At Bellhaven Real Estate, we help clients understand zoning regulations throughout southeast Idaho. Whether you're:
Looking to purchase property and want to understand what you can do with it
Planning to build or develop and need clarity on zoning requirements
Considering a variance or zone change for your existing property
Trying to navigate the relationship between city zoning, CC&Rs, and HOA rules
Our team can help you understand the regulations that apply to your specific situation. Contact us today for assistance with your Driggs property questions.